A Coventry-based media business’s decision to branch out into online tech reviews has resulted in it taking on new staff and turning over an extra £200,000.
Geeka Media, originally a YouTube channel founded by James Cousins when he was just 12, creates online tech videos and social media content for clients ranging from Samsung to Intel.
And the growth of GeekaWhat.com – a media site which publishes reviews and lists of the best computer parts such as monitors, processors, and graphics cards to buy for a given budget, has seen the business reach new heights.
It has taken on extra office space at its base at the Business Innovation Centre, Binley – part of the University of Warwick Science Park – and grown its team from three to seven as a result of its latest success.
James said: “We decided to try out written content and reviewing as a way of diversifying our business from just video and social media content for our clients.
“Soon after launch, the GeekaWhat.com website quickly began to climb up the Google rankings and was pulling in visitors very quickly. We thought the new side of business could see us turn over £100,000 – but we ended up bringing in £200,000.
“As the website and our reviews picked up traction, more advertisers were coming to us looking to buy space on our sites and more and more brands were asking us to review their products.
“What we never did and won’t do now is accept money in exchange for a good review – the trust we’ve built with our audience is incredibly important. Our team always review the products impartially.”
As a result of this success, James realised the team needed dedicated space for product reviews.
Geeka Media expanded into further space at the Innovation Centre, taking the total space it occupies to 1,250 sq ft.
“The publishing side of Geeka Media has become such a successful part of our business, and we can see ourselves taking on further space in the future as it grows.” James added.
“The team at the Science Park facilitated our expansion really easily for us, and have been incredibly flexible in their approach.
“I don’t see us leaving the Business Innovation Centre any time soon. To have all the little things taken care of – like a great reception for visitors or securely storing important deliveries – makes such a difference.”
Victoria Lynch, centre manager at the Business Innovation Centre, Binley, added: “James and the team at Geeka Media are riding a wave of growth at the moment, and we’re really happy they are continuing to see such success while being based here.
“Geeka Media only started with a 350 sq ft unit at the Innovation Centre in 2020, and the company’s success has been remarkable since then.
“We offer all of our tenants as much flexibility as possible when it comes to office expansion to ensure they are given as much help as possible to achieve their goals.”
CAPTION - Front row from left: Dan Maxwell, James Cousins, Victoria Lynch, and Harry Coleman. Back row from left: Aled Wheeler, Jay Harris, and Steve Richards.